You might be able to have it rebuilt by a radiator shop if you have one around you. Are the heater hoses warm or hot when the engine is warm? I found this information and guide to help us fix it:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working
1. Inspect for evidence of coolant leakage at the heater coolant hose to heater core attachments. A coolant leak in the heater coolant hose could follow the heater core tube to the heater core and appear as a leak in the heater core.
NOTE: Testing of returned heater cores reveals that a large percentage of heater cores are good and did not require replacement. If a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be tested by following the plugged heater core component test before the heater core pressure test. Carry out a system inspection by checking the heater system thoroughly.
2. Check the integrity of the heater coolant hose clamps.
NOTE: Spring-type clamps are installed as original equipment. Installation and overtightening of non-specification clamps can cause leakage at the heater coolant hose connection and damage the heater core.
Heater Core-Plugged
WARNING: THE HEATER CORE INLET HOSE WILL BECOME TOO HOT TO HANDLE IF THE SYSTEM IS WORKING CORRECTLY.
1. Check to see that the engine coolant is at the proper level.
2. Start the engine and turn on the heater.
3. When the engine coolant reaches operating temperature, feel the heater core outlet hose to see if it is hot.
If it is not hot:
the heater core may have an air pocket
the heater core may be plugged, or
the thermostat is not working properly.
Heater Core-Pressure Test
Use the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to carry out the pressure test.
1. Drain the coolant from the cooling system.
NOTE: Due to space limitations, a bench test may be necessary for pressure testing.
2. Disconnect the heater coolant hoses from the heater core.
3. Install a short piece of heater coolant hose, approximately 101 mm (4 inches) long on each heater core tube.
4. Fill the heater core and heater coolant hoses with water and install Plug BT-7422-B and adapter BT-7422-A from the radiator/heater core pressure tester in the heater coolant hose ends. Secure the heater coolant hoses, plug and adapter with hose clamps.
5. Attach the pump and gauge assembly from the radiator/heater core pressure tester to the adapter.
6. Close the bleed valve at the base of the gauge. Pump 241 kPa (35 psi) of air pressure into the heater core.
7. Observe the pressure gauge for a minimum of three minutes.
8. If the pressure drops, check the heater coolant hose connections to the core tubes for leaks. If the heater coolant hoses do not leak, remove the heater core from the vehicle and carry out the bench test.
Heater Core-Bench Test
1. Remove the heater core from the vehicle.
2. Drain all of the coolant from the heater core.
3. Connect the 101 mm (4 inch) test heater coolant hoses with plug and adapter to the core tubes. Then connect the radiator/heater core pressure tester to the adapter.
4. Apply 241 kPa (35 psi) of air pressure to the heater core. Submerge the heater core in water.
Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, December 16th, 2022 AT 11:16 AM
